With a range of climbing grades, you can make it as challenging as you wish!

Join Outdoorlads for a at the South-coast sport climbing mecca that is Portland!

Prized historically for its limestone – much of which clads grand buildings and monuments across the country – the Isle of Portland has been left littered with quarries which now form very climbable crags. The combination of this with the stunning sea views and climbing at a wide range of grades, means there’s something for everyone, including some bouldering (though don’t forget your pad!)

We’ll pick our exact location depending on the abilities of people in the group and the weather conditions on the day. The meeting point is therefore intended as a guide only, and we’ll make more detailed arrangements with everyone signed up closer to the time.

This event is one day of a weekend-long event. Please feel free to sign up for the Saturday here. Some of us will look to book into a local bunkhouse - please message the event leader if you'd like to join us.

What experience do I need for this event?

Ideally you’ll have some indoor climbing experience and, to get the most out of the day, you’ll at the very least be able to put on a climbing harness, tie yourself to a rope using an appropriate knot and belay a climber confidently and safely. If you can’t do this yet, why not take a look any of the Outdoorlads Beginners or All-abilities climbing events that take place across the country every week, where you’ll be taught everything you need to know.

Weather

It being a bank holiday weekend at the end of April, unpredictable weather will be almost guaranteed. If the forecast looks certain to be very wet or windy we will postpone this event, though we will of course let you know closer to the time.

Participation statement

As a BMC Affiliate member, Outdoorlads draws your attention to the fact that climbing is an activity with a danger of personal injury or death. You should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for your own actions and involvement. Please note that every person participating should be aware of (and accept) that those members perceived as ‘in charge’ or leading the event are not necessarily qualified, do not need to be qualified, and are not regarded by OutdoorLads, or themselves as ‘technical experts’ but are amateur climbers with some experience and who are happy to impart their knowledge. Any advice given should be considered with this in mind by the recipient

What to bring

You will need to bring your usual climbing gear – rock shoes, harness, belay plate and screw-gate carabiner. In addition, you will need to bring a climbing helmet. If you don’t have any of the above, please let the event leader know as we may be able to bring some spares of most things that you can borrow, apart from rock shoes.

If you’ve got a rope and quickdraws, please bring them along too, as well as a couple of spare screw-gates and a sling or lanyard to re-thread at the top.

If you plan to boulder, please bring along your rock shoes and don’t forget you’ll need to bring along your own bouldering landing pads!

Other things

As we’ll be outside, the usual advice applies – dress appropriately for the weather and location. Other than for the most positive of weather forecasts, a waterproof layer and windstopper are always handy, as are your sunblock and sunglasses.

Food & drink

Please bring a packed lunch, plenty of fluid to keep hydrated and snacks for the day. After we finish, we may find a pub for a drink for those who wish to before heading home.